Burnham Concerned About Manchester City Sale After Rule Breaches
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expresses concern over potential sale of Manchester City by its owners following Premier League financial rule breach findings.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has stated he would be "really concerned" if Manchester City's owners were to sell the club following findings that it breached Premier League financial rules. The club is expected to appeal the verdict.
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching a majority of the financial rules it was accused of breaking. The club has denied any wrongdoing and has until October 2 to submit an appeal. The Premier League stated that City "systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade."
The findings include allegations that the club arranged "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise over £830 million in secret funding. The independent panel will convene a sanctions hearing, which could take months, to determine the punishment. Potential sanctions range from fines and point deductions to expulsion from the Premier League or being stripped of trophies won during the period of the breaches.
Burnham acknowledged the owners, led by Sheikh Mansour, have been a significant partner in the development of Manchester and the club's global standing since 2008. "I do actually thank the City Football Group and the wider ownership for the money that they didn't just put into the Etihad [Stadium] and the campus around it but also into the city," he said.
He drew a comparison to the situation faced by Everton, his supported club, which was deducted 10 points in November 2023 for financial rule breaches, later reduced to six on appeal. Burnham noted that he had previously advocated for Everton, believing they were not treated fairly. He cautioned against rushing to judgment, citing his prior experience.
Burnham also commented on the role of the Independent Football Regulator, established in 2025. The regulator has indicated it will explore options, including potentially revoking the owners' license to operate the club, once the disciplinary process is complete.
Manchester City released a statement expressing their "disappointment and surprise" at the Premier League Commission's opinion and maintained their innocence.